India is gearing up to celebrate its 78th Independence Day with great fanfare on Thursday, August 15th. This day holds immense significance for Indians as it marks the culmination of a long and arduous struggle for freedom from British colonial rule, which spanned over two centuries. The country gained independence at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, and the day is commemorated every year with national pride.
Here are five fascinating facts about India’s Independence Day that highlight its historical and cultural significance:
1.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Absence During the First Celebrations:
The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was notably absent during the first-ever Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi. He was instead in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), striving to quell communal tensions and violence sparked by the Partition of India. Gandhi’s absence underscores the immense challenges faced by the newly independent nation even as it celebrated its newfound freedom.2.
The Symbolism of India’s Tricolour:
The Indian national flag, adopted in its present form on July 22, 1947, just a few days before independence, is a powerful symbol of the nation’s spirit and aspirations. The saffron top band represents strength and courage, while the white middle band, encompassing the Dharma Chakra, symbolizes peace and truth. The bottom green band denotes fertility, growth, and the auspiciousness of the land. The Dharma Chakra, a wheel of the law from the Sarnath Lion Capital, signifies the importance of continuous progress and the avoidance of stagnation.3.
The Choice of August 15th:
The decision to declare India’s independence on August 15th was made by Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy and first Governor-General of India. Although granted the power to transfer power to Indians by June 1948, he opted for an earlier date to prevent further bloodshed and unrest. The choice of August 15th also held symbolic significance, as it marked the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the Allied Forces in World War II.4.
Astrological Significance of the Timing:
India’s Independence Day wasn’t simply a political event; it was also influenced by astrological considerations. Astrologers advised Babu Rajendra Prasad, the future first President of India, that August 15th, 1947, was an inauspicious day for independence. However, when they learned that the British would only allow the choice of a specific hour on that day, they recommended midnight. Astrologers considered the Moon’s position in the Pushya Nakshatra, considered the king of all constellations, and the auspicious Abhijeet Muhurta at midnight, making it an ideal time for significant endeavors. The ascendant sign of Taurus, associated with a strong foundation, rising at that time, added further weight to the astrological significance of the chosen moment.5.
